If you dream of playing swing jazz like the great Stephane Grappelli now could be your chance.

Local musicians are being offered the chance to join a special master-class being given by international violin maestro, Tim Kliphuis, during Newark Jazz Festival weekend.

Tim Kliphuis specialises in recreating the famous jazz swing style of Stephane Grappelli. He is giving fiddlers of all backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about Grappelli’s swing style and how to achieve it for themselves. Players of other instruments are also welcome to attend.

The Swing Improvisation Workshop has been organised by Newark Jazz Festival in partnership with the internationally renowned Newark School of Musical Instrument Making, also known as the Newark Violin School, and takes place at 11.30am on Saturday May 17th at Barnbygate Methodist Church. During the sessionTim Kliphuis will also assess newly made violins and choose one to perform with. The workshop has been possible with the support of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark town Partnership and East Midlands Development Agency.

Workshop participants will also have free entry to hear the Tim Kliphuis Trio and multi award winning pianist, David Newton, at Newark Town Hall ballroom on Sunday May 18th at 3pm.

Places on the Tim Kliphuis workshop are limited and cost £10, or £5 for students and under 18s.

Newark Jazz Festival features 70 concerts at 30 venues in the town centre, May 16 – 18. Most of the events are free entry. Tickets, where required, and further information available from www.newarkjazz.co.uk

Festival organiser, Paul Sparks said: “Tim Kliphuis cannot guarantee to turn any musician into a world class player in just one workshop but he is an experienced educator and will be sharing his skills and enthusiasm with musicians who would like to have a go at this most exciting form of jazz. This is not just for violinists. We are looking for musicians with a range of instruments to join in – they must just want to learn to play swing jazz. Stephane Grappelli was an iconic performer whose reputation spread far beyond jazz fans, so we are particularly fortunate to be able to offer this amazing opportunity to local musicians.”

Tickets for Celebrating Grappelli, featuring the Tim Kliphuis Trio and David Newton cost £10, £5 for students, available from Stray’s Books and Cafe Shop, Ann et Vin, The Music Shop, The Palace Theatre and Newark Tourist Office.
More information on www.newarkjazz.co.uk